Now in its 27th year, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals invites theatre producers from around the world to New York City to preview eight new shows in development from Oct. 15-16.

In the festival's history, more than 85 percent of the musicals presented have gone on to subsequent readings, workshops, productions and tours, been licensed, and/or recorded on cast albums. Some past shows include The Drowsy Chaperone, It Shoulda Been You, Striking 12, Ordinary Days and Thoroughly Modern Millie, among others.

NAMT also presents the Songwriters Showcase, an informal introduction to new musicals currently in development and hosted by Tony winner Victoria Clark, who interviews each creative team about their show. Following the interview, two songs from the project are performed by professional Broadway actors. The Songwriters Showcase is followed by the Sonwriters Cabaret Oct. 16, a program that gives songwriters the opportunity to highlight selections from their recent and in-progress shows in the intimate setting of the Green Room Lounge.

Based on a true story, Costs of Living chronicles the lives of two immigrant cab drivers who come to New York for the American dream but instead find a nightmare scenario. Set to a rock and pop theatre score, featuring a predominantly Asian-American ensemble.

When Tucker was 8, Harry was his imaginary friend. Now Tucker’s grown up, and Harry has left the biz—two lost guys trying to figure out the little things. Like life. Can they help each other before it’s too late? Imagine Harry is a musical for grown-ups about the very tricky business of growing up.

Set in 1937 rural Virginia, The Last Queen of Canaan follows Cora Skye, an uncompromising​ ​landowner, and Ginny, her restless granddaughter. When Kay, a Northern do-gooder, descends on the property to collect Cora’s story for the WPA, she unwittingly instigates a confrontation that will leave all three women forever changed.

Andy’s favorite way to escape his humdrum life is an online game full of magic and monsters called “Legendale.” When a once-in-a-lifetime tournament is announced, Andy dreams of victory, but finds himself stuck competing as a cow maiden––the lowliest character in the game. He curses his fate, until the fantasy becomes real and Andy and his avatar must both discover their inner warrior. An original, contemporary musical comedy with a pop-infused score, Legendale blends romance, adventure and virtual reality.

In a blue collar Ohio town, 8-year-old Ethan falls through the ice and is miraculously saved with no known hero. When the boy, who not long ago lost his dad, insists it was a “birdman,” his family grapples with faith and hope as the community watches the mystery unfold.

A heartbroken man never leaves his apartment, consoled only by the music on the radio. Through the thin walls, he hears almost every word of the couple next door—and before long, his eavesdropping becomes an obsession. Soon he finds himself drawn into a web of lust, lies, deceit and danger. Noir is a lush and mysterious new musical inspired by radio plays and classic film noir.

As bombs explode outside, a theatre company staves off impending apocalyptic doom by performing a sci-fi musical about Marie Antoinette’s first time-traveling hot air balloon. As the dictatorial Talking Man turns the story into a celebration of stereotypes, the company fights back. Soon the play bleeds into reality, reviving hope for survival.

Othello: The Remix with a book, music and lyrics by The Q Brothers (GQ and JQ), developed with Rick Boynton Director: Brian Hill Cast: GQ (The Bomb-itty of Errors), JQ (The Bomb-itty of Errors), Postell Pringle (A Free Man of Color), Jackson Doran (A Q Brothers' Christmas Carol).

Following an acclaimed international tour and triumphant homecoming to sold-out audiences in Chicago, this fresh urban take on Shakespeare’s tragedy is spun out and lyrically rewritten over original beats by The Q Brothers—America’s leading re-interpreters of Shakespeare through hip-hop. Othello: The Remix delivers an intense, high energy spin like no other.

The public can receive passes to the festival through a donation to NAMT. There is also a day-of stand-by line for the general public for free admission, based on availability.